Smoke seen from the Drayton Valley wildfire on Thursday, May 4, 2023. (Photo: Mike Modney)

By Justin Goulet

Over two million hectares of land burned during 2023 wildfire season in Alberta

Nov 3, 2023 | 10:40 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The wildfire season in Alberta has come to an end.

Unusually hot, dry and windy conditions in the spring resulted in an active wildfire season, with as many as 11 fires breaking out simultaneously due to lightning early in the season.

The Government of Alberta reported that 48 communities were impacted by wildfires this year, and over 38,000 Albertans were evacuated from their homes.

READ MORE: Alberta calls in 79 out of province firefighters to assist in multiple active wildfires

READ MORE: National parks open and free for wildfire evacuees

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Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks said, “Our province faced an unprecedented challenge this past wildfire season. Wildfire staff worked tirelessly to keep our forests and communities safe, showing strength and determination through their efforts.”

He added, “While this season was not without its difficulties, the way Albertans and industry leaders stepped up to support their neighbours was nothing short of inspiring.”

The province stated that although October 31 marked the end of Alberta’s legislated wildfire season, the threat of fires continues in many areas. Alberta Wildfire is prepared to respond to any new fires. Officials added that all residents have a responsibility to help prevent wildfires.

2023 WILDFIRE SEASON

A total of 1,094 wildfires burned 2,214,957 hectares of land during the 2023 wildfire season in Alberta.

Compared with the five-year average (2018-2022) of 1,110 wildfires burning more than 190,000 hectares, the 2023 season was 10 times more severe in terms of area burnt.

READ MORE: Alberta forest land scorched by 2023 wildfires surpasses one million hectare mark

During periods of lower intensity, Alberta was able to help with firefighting efforts in B.C. and the Northwest Territories, while supporting Parks Canada and the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

LOOKING AHEAD

Officials said that planning has already started for the 2024 wildfire season. This includes enhancing current and identifying new technologies or techniques that can be used effectively in Alberta.

The province said that Alberta Wildfire constantly assesses the effectiveness of emerging technologies and new strategies to determine whether to implement new methods into its tool kit.

During this past season, Alberta Wildfire incorporated different practices to allow for longer firefighting hours, including operations at night. Staff used night-vision equipment and helicopters to better assess fires and support operations on the ground, as well as drones to detect hot spots. Alberta Wildfire also extended its hours of operation to work on suppressing wildfires when they are traditionally less active.

INFORMATION ON DEMAND

Alberta Wildfire uses its interactive wildfire status map to help keep residents informed about active blazes, the status of fires, areas burnt and causes of fires throughout the province. Officials said the status map was viewed more than five-million times during the 2023 season.

Citizens can also download the Alberta Wildfire mobile app.

READ MORE: Alberta ends wildfire-induced Provincial State of Emergency

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